A deluge of emotional tributes have been paid to a "true Oxenhope legend" who died in a fire at his caravan in the village this week.

Dozens of people have posted their fond memories of long-time villager 'Clem' in posts on the Facebook page Oxenhope Online.

The page's admins have opened a special thread so people can write about Clem, named locally as Clement Holmes, who lived in Stone Lane.

Firefighters and police were called to the caravan in the early hours of Tuesday morning following reports of an explosion and fire.

Residents living in nearby Shaw Lane were evacuated to Oxenhope Community Centre after gas canisters were found at the scene.

Clem's body was found, and police said there were no suspicious circumstances.

Floral tributes have been placed next to Clem's home over the past couple of days.

Several people mentioned Clem's skill as a "very intelligent and accomplished" engineer, while others alluded to his generosity, sense of humour, and habit of speaking to people in what he claimed was Russian.

Others fondly remembered him as a regular at the 'Idiot Hut' – the now demolished Oxenhope Social Club – and the village's Bay Horse pub.

Several mentioned the legendary 'moonshine' that Clem made.

Janet Skwarek suggested planting a tree in the village's rose garden with a plaque for Clem.

She said: "There has been a sadness about the village with the passing of Clem, he was a friend of many and will be greatly missed."

Mandy Smith recalled the moonshine he made from spring water that fed into a trough near his home. She said: "I offered the use of the outside tap, but no, only the trough water would do. I will also remember the Russian songs he sang at the end of an evening in the Idiot Hut."

Jeff Moore said Clem was always cheerful and up for a laugh, "especially if it included alcohol. There have been many mentions of his (in)famous moonshine."

"He was an icon and will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him. It was a tragic way to go but in a way fitting. He wouldn't have been able to make moonshine in an old folks home, or would he?"

Karl Young and his friends loved having a pint with Clem. He said: "Clem made us laugh when we got him a pint and he would say 'all the best John West' lol."

Mick Reddihough, whose late father was a good friend of Clem, said: "When l left school l served my apprenticeship as an engineer with Clem as my mentor."

Catherine Mcgowan-Laycock described Clem as "the most intelligent and genuine man", adding: "He was a great character, full of stories, jokes and poems. I could listen to him all evening."

Geoff Hopkins said: "Clem was a man who did his own thing, happy, harmless and a real character. He was an excellent engineer and I remember him working on his lathe in his workshop, making parts for all needs."